1973 Front end question

[jaykelly75]

Looking for some help here. I just purchased a 1973 Bronco 3" lift, 33" tires, and all of the front end components are tight and the P/S operated box doesn't seem to bind. The truck is responsive enough (and yes I have driven a lifted truck before) but it does not handle that well. Just making minor correctings while going down the road makes the truck really want to lurch farther that needed. The pitman arm is original (not lowered) is that my problem?? The previous owner informed me there is an entire aftermarket steering system that relocates the components to make it handle better...is this true..is it worth it??

One more...what is the largest tire I can tuck under there as the fenders are already opened up with flares. 35's look to be no problem..how bout 36's??

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Jay

 

[Bully Bob]

Hi Jay..,

A small to medium lift should NOT create steering/handling problems...in fact in most cases it will handle better beings it has a bunch-o-new parts. This is assuming it was done correct & a quality EB supplier was used. (ask the PO what brand of lift was used.. & who did it..!!)

Get some pics posted so we can see what's under there.

The track bar/drop bracket & pitman arm need to be correct... however, those being incorrect cause the str. wheel to **** when you hit a dip or bump. (bump-steer)

Tire sizes are proportional to the axle gear ratio... clearance is a side issue.

Lastly., it sounds like a serious prob. under there but it can be corrected....probably W/O all new parts.

And., what brand of P/S box is on there...? Is it a Ford EB box..?

 

[jaykelly75]

Bob,

I will snap some pics so you can look at the current set-up, as well as finding out all the equipment information. Thanx a bunch.

 

[S_bolt19]

For any lift under 4", a new pitman arm isn't required. If it is 4"+ then yeah, you need to either get a drop pitman, drop bracket or a track bar riser. Personally, I prefer the riser on the axle rather than the drop bracket on the frame or the arm. Less stress issues and less potential problems down the road. As to an aftermarket steering setup, there are quite a few out there. There is the OEM replacement parts, there is the Stone Crusher setup or other similar heim joint systems. Of all of them, I have the Stone Crusher & I like it a lot better than the original because it takes the bind out of the steering linkage. And with the heim setups, you can drill out your knuckles and put the steering components on top of the knuckle rather than like original, which is slung underneath the knuckle. This will also alleviate the need for the drop pitman.

Your tire size is going to be about a 37" without any "major" inner fender trimming. But if you go that big, like Bully Bob said, make sure you re-gear the axles or you will be at an extreme loss for power. If you have 3.50 gears right now, then the tallest tire you should go with is a 33". If you have 4.11 gears then I wouldn't go much taller than 35s for a trail rig or 37 for a street rig. Anything over 35 for a trail rig, you really should look into the 4.55 gear set range or lower.

 

[69bronc347]

both sbolt 19 and buly bob are correct but i think you should make sure, you have the cbushings in correctly or make sure they are the offset bushings to correct for the lift. i have seen people install the cbushings in backwards and they drive like total ass. do you have drop radius arm brackets? like bully bob said pictures would be nice.

 

[bigbluebronc]

Tire size is 35s with a 3 ish lift and you should still cut as they rub. As for running down the road check you steering ratio, you might be lucky and have a fast ratio box( good for rocks) bad for street?Q! IT is really your choice riser or drop bracket too correct steering.. Gearing with 35s and three speed and j box should be 4.56 for rocks and dirt, 4/11s for overall, locker in the rear a must, locker in the front as money can buy is best, self install lunch box locker 275 dollars for a dana 44/.... AND YOU HAVE TOO REMEMBER A BRONCO IS 2 SHEETS OF PLYWOOD TRYING TOO DRIVE DOWN THE STREET FAST IT WILL NOT DRIVE STRAIT!! hahahahah

BBB